Many unlocked cars entered, items stolen in Farmington

FARMINGTON — Over the past few weeks, several unlocked vehicles in and near the downtown area have been entered and had items stolen.

Chief Kevin Willey said reports have been coming in over the past few weeks, but have increased over the past four days.

“I’ve been getting one to two reports on an almost daily basis,” he said, of the recent escalation.

Willey confirmed all vehicles that have had items stolen or that been entered were left unlocked.

“These are all crimes of opportunity,” he said.

Stolen items include change, cigarettes, GPS units, and similar things.

Police urge residents to “protect your property and your valuables by removing them from your cars or placing them in a locked glove box, and locking your vehicle.”

Willey estimates that between 10 and 20 cars have been entered, with many having items stolen. He said police suspect the thieves are a group of youths or young adults who have been accessing the vehicles during late night hours.

“We have some leads and persons of interest,” he said.

Police urge anyone who sees someone out during late night hours that appears to be suspicious to call the department at 755-2231 immediately.